2024 Kitchen Trends: What Lived Up to the Hype—and What Fell Flat

From outdoor living to bold appliances, we’re breaking down which 2024 kitchen trends lived up to their promise—and which ones missed the mark.

Every year, the design world teases us with big promises for the trends that will dominate our homes. In 2024, these predictions painted a bold vision of where kitchens, living spaces, and appliances were headed. But now, with 2025 in full swing, it’s time to ask: did these trends deliver?  From redefining the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living to embracing bold colors and biophilic touches, 2024 brought us a mix of inspiring trends and practical innovations. 

But not every idea hit the mark! In this round-up, we’re diving into the hits that elevated our homes and the misses that made us shake our heads. Whether you’re looking to refresh your kitchen, revamp your outdoor space, or simply keep tabs on what’s in and what’s out, we’ve got you covered with all the highlights—and the ones we hope won’t make a comeback.

Flew

Outdoor Connections

The line between indoor and outdoor living has never been blurrier—and we’re here for it! From outdoor kitchens to springtime living room,  connecting these spaces has made our homes even more expansive. Whether it's hosting a summer barbecue or starting your day surrounded by an oasis, this trend turns your home into a destination. When you add in phantom screens for ultimate flexibility, you've got the perfect blend of function and beauty.

In 2024, experts predicted that indoor-outdoor living would reach new heights, with seamless spaces becoming the ultimate luxury feature. And they were right! 

Lighting Enhancements

With the enhancements in lighting over the last few years, layered lighting is having a moment. You have task lighting for precision, accent lighting to make the mood, and massive windows for natural brilliance. What  really makes the difference, is tunable lighting. This is more than just being able to say Alexa turn the lights blue. This is white lighting that lets you shift between cool or warm, natural or artificial. It's incredibly beneficial, energy efficient and surprisingly helpful  in making a space suit your needs. 

2024 promised advancements in lighting technology that would transform the way we experience our homes—and tunable lighting has delivered. 

Induction Cooking

If you've read our 2025 trends article then you know that induction cooking is the cooking trend of the year. We are quite excited to see this technology stepping into the spotlight and are excited to see the way that it changes kitchen safety in the years to come.

A sleek and lovely induction stove courtesy of Rangemaster

When 2024’s kitchen trends forecasted the rise of induction cooking, it seemed like a tech-forward dream. Now, in 2025, it's clear the buzz was well-deserved.

Low Maintenance Minimalism

In 2024 minimalism was everything. More importantly though and the key difference here, was that it wasn't just about making your kitchen empty. It was about making your life in the kitchen easier. Functional layouts and fewer nooks to clean means you spend the time in your kitchen enjoying the space. 

Minimalism wasn’t new in 2024, but the shift toward functional simplicity was a predicted game-changer—and it’s delivered.

Courtesy of KIron SajoL

Universal Design

Although not directly relevant for us, a growing trend that we noticed in 2024, was how many people are adjusting their homes to a universal design. People are once again focusing on aging in place and staying in the home that they're in throughout multiple stages of their lives, if not all of them. But that includes more than just our elders, that also includes design for if you sustain an injury and need mobility aids for a time. Universal design works for everybody and means that your home isn't just beautiful it's functional and this is a trend we hope continues for many years.

 The prediction that more homeowners would adapt their spaces to fit all life stages has proven true, with functional, inclusive layouts now more common than ever. It's a trend that prioritizes practicality over aesthetics alone, and one we hope continues to grow.

Small Space Solutions

2024 marked the beginning of appliance manufacturers delivering on small clip powerful appliances. We're seeing half fridges, drawer dishwashers, and countertop ovens that are just as powerful as a standard size. This makes living spaces more versatile and able to be used for multiple functions without losing necessities.

Predicted to gain traction in 2024, compact yet powerful appliances have carved out their place in 2025. 

Punches of Color

We are so happy that people were bringing in color left right and center in 2024! White and gray and stainless steel and flat neutrals is boring let's be real. With as much time as we spend in our kitchens it should be full of bold vibrant colors, or comforting pastels, or whatever else takes your fancy. Whether it's wrapping your oven in the hottest shade of Barbie pink you can get your hands on, or purchasing a stunning cobalt blue Smeg fridge, it adds joy to the space.

Color was expected to make a triumphant return in 2024, and homeowners didn’t disappoint! Bold hues and pastels have replaced the monotony of neutrals, breathing life into kitchens.

Bringing Nature Into Your Home

Let's be honest: was as much time as we spend at our work we could all use more nature in our lives. The design concept biophilia isn't just a trend that has been growing, it is becoming a lifestyle, even a movement. It's natural woods like oak and walnut paired with living walls of moss and succulents. Some are starting to shed the sterile nature of their kitchens to embrace a lived in warmth. Bonus points for the way this makes you want to stay and spend time in these spaces.

What Flopped 

 Sustainability Ascendant

 Pause for a moment. How many times have you asked yourself, or the salesperson, ‘how was this built’ or ‘is it made from sustainable materials’ ? Go ahead, we’ll wait.
Now, we are ALL for the idea, but it should be a standard part of all things, not something that’s added to your bottom line as part of a marketing line. 

While 2024 brought more discussions about sustainability, the reality is bittersweet. The idea of eco-friendly materials has yet to become a universal standard, often showing up as an added cost rather than a baseline expectation. We hope this evolves into a lasting change rather than remaining a buzzword. 

Multizone Adjustable Refrigerators

We love this idea, legitimately. And, we want to say that as a concept, the multizone refrigerator is amazing. We have to point out though that making the zones more flexible also presents an issue for keeping your fridge food safe. 

Dark Matte Finishes

This. Just no.
Think about how hard it is to keep a stainless steel appliance clean. Dark appliances, specifically matte ones, are so much worse. Most cleaning sprays leave behind residue. It’s meant to be a protective coating typically. But on a dark matte surface? You end up getting dingy appliances very quickly. This is going to lead to one of a few scenarios. 

• You have to clean twice. Once with your cleaner of choice and a second time with water to remove that residue. 

• An entire new industry pops up to charge more to a targeted niche, and you pay more. 

Predicted to be sleek and modern in 2024, dark matte finishes have proven impractical in real life. 

Sleek Built-In Styling

This is great in the moment. BUT if you want to fix it? If you want to change things out? Hidden appliances are going to end up being a nightmare. 

Built-ins were forecasted to dominate in 2024, but as predicted, they come with a hidden downside—difficulty in repairs and upgrades. 

Steam Revolution & Sous Vide 

Ahh we love these so much.  They’re fantastic! Especially from a health perspective. However. If it’s too complicated, how many of us walk away from a complicated tool? 

Predicted to revolutionize cooking, steam ovens and sous vide systems have incredible potential, but their complexity has limited their appeal. Many homeowners love the health benefits but admit they can be intimidating to use, proving that ease of use is still a major factor in adoption.

What We Want Gone 

Composting Emerges 

Courtesy of Couleur

This just isn’t safe. This is /asking/ for your kitchen to be a germ and pest magnet, no matter how  much you clean it. This should not be on the counter. It shouldn’t be under the counter. Compost should be outside. At that point, we’re fine with the idea! We’re all for composting and growing your own garden. Just don’t keep compost in the kitchen. 

Smart Features With Connectivity 

Courtesy of Gerd Altmann

Smart features are great.  They can save a lot of time, but… the focus for everything is on either solving problems we don’t have or on creating problems.
Also at what point do we stop adding smart features? Is it when a power outage means you can't do anything in your house? Is it when the features become so invasive that somebody hacking your printer can lead to them knowing your bank details? Or maybe it's when we get to the point that the power grid cannot go 24 hours without failure?

As we step further into 2025, looking back at 2024's home trends is a lesson in how the design world evolves. Some trends exceeded expectations, becoming everyday staples, while others fell short or created challenges we didn’t anticipate. The good news? Homeowners have more options and inspiration than ever, from universal design to nature-inspired spaces. At Appliance Rescue Service, we’re here to help ensure the appliances at the heart of these trends are running smoothly, so your home continues to be a place of beauty, comfort, and function. Whether you're embracing the next big thing or sticking with the classics, we’re here for every stage of your home journey.

2025 Home Design Trends: Stay Ahead of the Curve

Minimalism, Multifunctionality, and More—Trends to Watch

It's the beginning of another year, and once again we have predictions about the trends that are to come. Now these are not just our ideas but also those from people around the web. We have searched high and low to see what designers think are going to be the next great trends for decorating your home.

Minimalism - More and more designers are saying that the appliances of the kitchen will fade into the background. Instead of being able to see your appliances as separate parts within your kitchen everything will fade together. With the rising prevalence of panels intended to cover your appliances, soon there won't be a difference between your cabinets, your walls and the appliances within your kitchen. Kitchen handles are also vanishing into the appliances either by becoming recessed and less obvious in the design, or by being removed entirely. Finally appliance garages are expected to become even more popular this year. People are finding it useful to have a drawer or cabinet that they can put their small appliances into when not in use. 

Courtesy of Samsung

Multifunctional - More appliance manufacturers, like GE, Meile and LG are combining what their appliances can do. Making ovens that also include air fryer features, or dishwashers that can do more than one load at once are examples of this. Some others we’ve seen in previous years, are washer/dryer all in ones, and steam ovens that are capable of steam cooking, baking, roasting and menu cooking, without allowing flavor transfer.  

Courtesy of Moen

Smart Sinks - Smart sinks are becoming a thing this year. They are expected to be controlled by voice and hand gesture. So that you'll be able to say bottle 98° and get an exact amount of water that is the perfect temperature for making a baby bottle. You can also wave your hands to one side or the other to turn on the hot or cold water. We aren't certain yet how many manufacturers will make the jump to this but we do expect to see more availability this year. A brand to check out is Moen’s Smart Faucet.

Sustainability and Energy Usage - These are going to become even more of a talking point for new appliances this year. People are becoming more and more aware of and concerned about not just how much energy their appliances are using, but how they were made. Expect to see this raised as part of marketing during the year ahead. 

Color - Wanting color in your kitchen is nothing new, although small appliances are increasingly getting in on the action. What is more interesting to look out for is that it’s not just major designers, manufacturers, and celebrities who are affecting the choices; it's also social media influencers and their communities. An example of this is how pastel green is soaring in searches this early in the year, when the ‘Colors of the Year’ from Pantone and others are not even close to that.  

Smaller Major Appliances - For those living on their own, or just in smaller homes, smaller appliances are becoming more common! Now, we’re not talking about your coffee pot or an instant pot. No, we mean that major appliance makers are starting to offer their units in smaller dimensions, with equivalent power to their lager siblings.

Courtesy of Rangemaster

Induction is in Demand - last year we talked a bit about induction stoves and how they were starting to really gain traction. They have officially hit the point where everyone is talking about them, and everyone wants them. You’re going to be see many more options for induction stoves starting this year, and that’s going to trickle down to other things like technology, cleaners and dishes that will work with them.  

Stainless Steel is heading out - While it still hasn’t left the scene completely, stainless steel is no longer in the spotlight when it comes to appliances. Many brands are looking for alternatives, including several which are now offering matte black appliances.

Bold cabinets- -More people are getting bored with basic builder grade cabinetry. And this year we are going to see more and more people painting and covering their cabinets. We're expecting to see more examples of how to apply contact paper and peel and stick paint in the year ahead.

As you explore the trends shaping the way we live and design our homes, remember that staying ahead of the curve doesn’t have to mean overhauling everything. Sometimes, it’s about blending the new with the tried and true to create a space that feels uniquely yours. Whether you're upgrading to sleek, hidden appliances or choosing to embrace bold, personalized cabinetry, the goal is always a home that works for you. And when it comes to ensuring your appliances can keep up with these changes, our team at Appliance Rescue Service is here to help. From maintenance to repairs, we’re your partners in keeping your home running smoothly as it evolves with the times.

Additional Reading

Minimize Waste, Maximize Sustainability: The Case for Appliance Repair

Common Appliance Issues That Could Ruin Your Holiday – And How to Prevent Them

Bright Ideas: The Dos and Don'ts of Smart Lighting in Your Home

Herby, Cheesy Perfection: A Mac and Cheese Recipe You’ll Love

A rich blend of cheeses and herbs to take your mac and cheese to the next level

There’s something about the first bite of homemade macaroni and cheese that takes you straight back to childhood, comforting you like a warm hug on a cold day. But this isn’t your average mac and cheese – it’s packed with rich, creamy cheese and an aromatic blend of herbs that elevate this classic dish to something extraordinary. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply indulging in some much-needed comfort food, this herby mac and cheese will hit the spot every time. Ready to dig in?

Ingredients:

1 pound dry medium pasta shells

1/2 cup water

1 stick unsalted butter

1/4 cup all purpose flour

2 cups half and half

8 ounce brick of mozzarella cheese

5 ounce tub of shredded parmesan cheese

2 cups dry grated pecorino romano cheese

2 eggs

2 cups 2% milk

3 tablespoons minced garlic

2 tablespoons oregano

1 tablespoon fennel seed

1 tablespoon basil

1 tablespoon parsley

1 teaspoon marjoram

1 teaspoon sage

1 teaspoon tarragon

salt and black pepper, to taste

Tools:

stock pot

colander

Dutch oven

measuring cups and spoons

cheese grater

whisk

spoons

mixing bowl

While we would love for this to be a one-pot meal, there's really not an efficient way to manage that (at least, not one we've found - if you've got one, please share!). So, for better or for worse, there will be a couple pots to wash at the end of this. But the GIANT pot of homemade macaroni and cheese makes up for it, in our opinion.

After making it through the holidays, we're usually tired of eating food that fits everyone else's preferences. Once we're home again from whatever traveling we did, it's time for comfort food. Lots of comfort food, usually, because we're still of a mindset to cook for a crowd. That tends to linger.

Enter macaroni and cheese, the ultimate, kid-pleasing, crowd-feeding dish of comfort food. Use it as a side, use it as a main course, eat it as a snack... It's versatile like that.

Strangely enough, there's not a veggie to be found in this recipe. It's a rarity for us, we know, but allow it to be a testament to the fact we are /exhausted/ in general. (The fact we also spent a week in a vegetarian household during the holiday break may also have had some influence.)

Fill the stock pot with water enough for your pound of pasta, crank up the heat to bring it to a boil, and salt it generously. We'll need to cook the pasta all by its lonesome, so set a timer and have the colander ready. We like to shave a couple minutes off the box directions because the pasta will still absorb more moisture from the cheese sauce when we reach the baking step.

Set the heat under your Dutch oven to low and melt the butter while you wait for the water to come to a boil. (Yes, we are aware that an entire stick of butter is a lot. Perhaps you've seen this recipe is rather heavy on the fatty dairy stuff. Our little concessions are half and half instead of heavy cream and 2% reduced fat milk instead of whole milk... mostly because it's what we keep on hand. Feel free to make other substitutions of your own design - this recipe is yours now.)

While the butter melts, preheat the oven to 350 and shred up the brick of mozzarella cheese. Don't cheat and use pre-shredded, as it will change the entire texture of the cheese sauce later. Set the mozzarella aside, as it will still be a few minutes before you need it.

To the now melted butter, add the garlic, oregano, parsley, basil, fennel seed, sage, marjoram, tarragon and pepper. Stir it all up with a whisk and allow it to heat until fragrant, maybe two minutes.

Add the all-purpose flour to the pan and stir it in. Yes, it will be pasty and look unappealing, but it's all part of the process of making a roux. Increase the heat a little, and stir frequently until the scent of the mixture begins to change, as does the color.

Around now, it should be time to drain your pasta. Make sure not to leave it in the colander for it to get sticky and cold - return it to the pot after draining and put a lid on it.

Measure in the half and half at this point, increase the heat further to medium-high, and bring it up to a boil. Be sure to stir constantly. Continue stirring over medium-high heat for two minutes, then cut the heat, remove the pan, and add in the mozzarella, parmesan and pecorino romano cheeses. Trade the whisk for a spoon and stir until melted. It'll be extremely dense and stretchy, but don't worry, this isn't the final version of the sauce.

In a mixing bowl, whisk the two eggs and your salt and pepper into the milk. Once combined, add this to the still-hot Dutch oven and stir thoroughly. It may look like it'll never mix in, but it will. And once it does, you'll be left with a glossy off-white cheese sauce flecked with herbs. After you've achieved the glossy stage, pour your pre-cooked pasta into the sauce and stir to cover.

Bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes. Feel free to garnish with more herbs before serving.

When it comes to comfort food, it’s hard to beat the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese. With a generous sprinkle of aromatic herbs and a rich blend of cheeses, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it's so versatile – serve it as a side, main course, or snack, and it’ll always steal the show. And while you're whipping up meals like this, don’t forget about your kitchen appliances! If you ever find yourself in need of repairs, our team at Appliance Rescue Service is here to help ensure your kitchen stays in tip-top shape, so you can focus on creating delicious dishes like this one without a hitch.

Website

Call: (214) 599-0055

Additional Reading

Halloween Drunken Noodles: Perfect for Chilly Nights

Fall Comfort Food: How to Make Perfectly Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

Jalapeno Chicken Bowtie Pasta

Mocha Mousse Explained:

Pantone’s Pick and Its Impact on Design

Courtesy of Pantone

Each year, Pantone’s Color of the Year ignites excitement and inspires creativity across design, fashion, and cultural landscapes. For 2025, the choice is a sumptuous, grounding shade that feels as comforting as it does indulgent: Pantone 17-1230 Mocha Mousse. This warm, mellow brown invites us into a world of connection, quiet luxury, and understated sophistication. Already, it’s making waves in interiors, fashion, and beyond. The question is, are they good waves? 

A First in Pantone’s History

Mocha Mousse stands out as a groundbreaking choice—the first brown to claim the coveted title in Pantone’s 25-year tradition of selecting a Color of the Year. This isn’t just a color; it’s a cultural statement. It reflects a broader movement, one that celebrates grounding while reaching for the aspirational.

Leatrice Eiseman, Pantone’s Executive Director, explains it best: “Mocha Mousse extends our perceptions of browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspirational and luxe.” It’s a transformation that feels timely. In a world craving both stability and indulgence, this rich hue offers a sense of both.

But there’s more. Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, calls it a “foundational shade.” It’s the kind of color that serves as a bridge, harmonizing with both neutrals and bold statement tones.

While Pantone has offered us several years of…. Unexpected colors over the last 5 years, many people are finding themselves with mixed feelings regarding Mocha Mousse. 

What Inspired Mocha Mousse?

Everyday pleasures. Sensory indulgences. The little luxuries we savor. Mocha Mousse draws from these, evoking the richness of chocolate, the comfort of a steaming cup of coffee, and the serenity of quiet moments.

For Pantone, this isn’t just a color—it’s an experience. Eiseman describes it as an invitation to enjoy “thoughtful indulgence,” a way to infuse life with personal luxury. Pressman adds that it’s about wholeness, connection, and nourishment—qualities that feel grounding in a world constantly in flux.

Mocha Mousse in Design: Versatility and Elegance

Mocha Mousse’s versatility makes it a standout choice for a wide range of applications. Whether as a supporting character or a bold centerpiece, this color shines in diverse settings:

Courtesy of Pantone

• Interior Design: The warm brown works beautifully with natural materials like wool, leather, and suede, adding depth and elegance to any space. It’s also striking against white walls for a high-contrast, yet welcoming effect. The color also pairs wonderfully with marble textures for a quietly luxurious look. 

• Fashion: On the runway, Mocha Mousse has proven to be a seasonless, gender-neutral hue. It complements everything from vibrant pastels to rich jewel tones like deep rose and mahogany. Its understated elegance allows it to transition seamlessly across seasons and styles. 

• Products and Branding: Companies like Motorola, Post-it, and Joybird are already incorporating Mocha Mousse into their product lines, showcasing its adaptability in tech, home goods, and furniture.

Curated Color Palettes Featuring Mocha Mousse

Pantone has curated a range of palettes showcasing Mocha Mousse’s adaptability. Each one tells a unique story:

• Relaxed Elegance: A cozy mix of Mocha Mousse, Cannoli Cream, and Baltic Amber. It focuses on comfort.

• Floral Pathways: Soft mocha meets pastel tones like Cornflower Blue and Rose Tan—a serene nod to nature.

• Deliciousness: This palette indulges the senses with Winery, Caramel, and Mocha Mousse—this one is for people who want indulgence and sensuousness in their homes. 

• Subtle Contrasts: A sophisticated blend of Buffed Beige, Coffee Quartz, and Mocha Mousse, redefining neutrals.

• Uniquely Balanced: Bold contrasts like Blue Curacao and Spicy Mustard, grounded by the steadying presence of Mocha Mousse.

How to Incorporate Mocha Mousse at Home

Mocha Mousse offers endless possibilities for creating spaces that feel both grounded and luxurious. Here are a few ideas to inspire you as you look around your home:

• Accent Walls: Transform a space with a single Mocha Mousse wall. Pair it with white for a modern look or soft creams for a cozier feel.

• Furniture and Decor: Think suede throw pillows, wool rugs, or a mocha-toned couch as a statement piece.

• Kitchen Accents: Warm up your kitchen with Mocha Mousse cabinetry or a backsplash that complements natural wood tones.

• Outdoor Spaces: Combine Mocha Mousse with lush greens and natural textures for a patio that feels like a retreat.

These are the spaces that we think this color will not only work well but also where it fits. Unlike previous colors of the last few years, we feel like Mocha Mousse is going to be a color that ends up being limited only by our creativity. It is a neutral color that isn’t so bland that it is without character, but it’s also not so one-note that you are unable to stand it for more than a year. 

Pantone’s Mocha Mousse isn’t just a color; it’s an embrace of life’s simple luxuries, a reflection of our desire for connection and comfort. Its rich warmth and quiet elegance make it a versatile choice for any space or wardrobe.

And as you reimagine your home with this stunning hue, remember: a well-maintained home is the key to true comfort. Our team at Appliance Rescue Service is here to ensure your appliances are running smoothly, so you can focus on creating the space of your dreams.

Website
Call: (214) 599-0055

Additional Reading
Embracing Peach Fuzz: Pantone's 2024 Color Palette Unveiled

Viva Magenta! Pantone Color of the Year 2023 

Very Peri - The Color of 2022

Leftovers to Luxe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

No Stuffing, No Stress—Just Delicious!

Typically by this point in the holiday season, the whole house is sick of ham. But there's always more ham in the fridge. We needed to get a little more creative with the dinner menu, ensuring the ham (and anything else left from marathon holiday meals) doesn't go to waste.

We have never met someone who disliked chicken cordon bleu. We have also never met anyone who truly enjoyed the process of making chicken cordon bleu. As a direct result of this, we have decided to create an un-stuffed, un-breaded, non-traditional take on a chicken cordon bleu. A casserole... which also happens to use up the remaining carrots, partial brick of cheese and nearly empty carton of heavy cream we had lingering in the fridge.

Ingredients:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs

8-10 slices of leftover holiday ham

3/4 cup shredded carrots

5-6 ounces cheese, grated (recommend Swiss but can be any strong cheese)

1/4 cup heavy cream 

4 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons minced garlic

1 teaspoon ground mustard

1/2 teaspoon rosemary

1/2 teaspoon celery salt

Black pepper to taste

Tools:

Large Dutch oven or stovetop safe casserole dish

Cheese grater

Cutting board

Knife

Serving spoon

Measuring cups and spoons

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

In your Dutch oven, melt down the four tablespoons of butter over medium low heat. Measure in your minced garlic and allow it to heat until fragrant.

We started with ready to eat matchstick carrots, but in the event you are starting with whole carrots, please wash your produce! And then proceed to chop or shred in your desired fashion. Add the carrots to the garlic and butter.

Tear or cut your pre-cooked ham slices to your desired size and set them aside; we'll add them in a few minutes.

Increase the heat under the pan to medium. Stir to prevent sticking.

Rough chop your chicken into one inch pieces, trimming off and discarding any fatty bits you might encounter. Push the carrots to one side and add the chicken to the Dutch oven. Cover the pan and allow the chicken to cook for five to eight minutes (wait for the color to change).

While you wait for the chicken pieces to cook through, shred your cheese into a small container. Swiss is the traditional choice for a cordon bleu, but no one says traditional is the only option. We're big fans of using up what we have. As such, we shredded a bunch of sharp cheese we've lost the label for in the hectic holiday rush. This house likes sharp, tangy cheeses - but please adjust for your own family's preferences.

Remove the lid, give everything a stir, and sprinkle in the rosemary, celery salt and ground mustard. Crack in some fresh black pepper, as much or as little as you like. Add the ham pieces to the pan, and then stir everything again. Measure in the heavy cream, sprinkle the shredded cheese over top, and transfer the uncovered Dutch oven to the oven.

Bake for 25 minutes, or until most of the moisture has evaporated from the cream and the cheese has melted and begun to bubble. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before attempting to serve.

We served ours over some wide egg noodles and with a side of mixed vegetables (because just one veggie is never enough).

If you're looking for more ways to use up those holiday leftovers, let this dish inspire your creativity. Think of it as a blueprint for transforming what's in your fridge into something comforting and satisfying. Swap out the ham for turkey, leftover roast beef, or even roasted vegetables for a vegetarian twist. Experiment with different cheeses to keep things interesting—Gruyère, sharp cheddar, or even a smoky gouda can take this dish in an entirely new direction. Don’t be afraid to add a handful of fresh spinach or kale for a pop of color and a boost of nutrients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability—it’s your chance to make something uniquely suited to your family’s tastes while keeping food waste to a minimum.

We know that post-holiday cleanup isn't limited to food. Your kitchen appliances have likely been working overtime, and now is the perfect time to give them a little TLC. Did your oven take longer than expected to preheat during those marathon baking sessions? Or did your stovetop struggle to keep up with the gravy and sauces? Even small inefficiencies can add up over time. That’s where our team at Appliance Rescue Service comes in. Whether it’s a quick fix or a more involved repair, we’re here to ensure your appliances are operating at their best, so you can continue creating meals that bring warmth and joy to your home. Because when your appliances are in good hands, so is your kitchen—and, ultimately, your holiday memories.

Website

Call: (214) 599-0055